The annual DJ / MC Entertainment conference “Think Tank” is held in a different city each year. The host helps facilitate an event that brings the best of the best in the world of event entertainment together to learn, collaborate, and celebrate.
This year, Think Tank member, Rock The House, created a video as our pitch to be the host city for this important event to our industry. Sure, we could have created a Powerpoint presentation and simply listed what makes Cleveland special…but that’s not our style. We’re in the creativity business and that’s how we won the hearts of these business owners.
There may be cities that shine a bit brighter than Cleveland, but none of them would welcome these event professionals with more open arms.
https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.png00mhadder4561https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.pngmhadder45612013-08-13 12:52:162013-08-16 12:54:51Rock The House Brings Conference To Cleveland
You probably won’t see Kurt at your event but he is making an impact on your party! Kurt has been with Rock The House for over two years and he has made a big difference in how we operate as a team. His supporting role across multiple departments allow the rest of the team to stay focused on their core objectives. His main job duties are to assist in employee compensation and benefits administration. Making sure our team members are taken care of financially by assisting human resources and accounting is an amazingly important role that touches everyone at Rock The House.
Kurt contributes to every department at RTH as described by VP/CFO Steve Tanruther:
“Kurt has introduced a level of analytics to our sales team that will provide them greater clarity into the trends that affect our market. He has also spearhead all of our employee benefits administration.”
Steve went on to say this about Kurt and his impact on the team:
“He has years of comprehensive analytical experience working in production scheduling and employee compensation. He’s always asking when and how he can help when he sees others in distress. He even helped some employees with their personal taxes in his spare time.”
We asked Kurt one memory he had of his time at that Rock The House that stands out and he gave us this great response:
“My favorite memory is actually a recurring event. Every morning, no matter how good or bad of a mood I am in, the first people I see at RTH always puts me in a better mood.”
Kurt is a perfect example of a true team player and what it takes to succeed at Rock The House.
https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.png00mhadder4561https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.pngmhadder45612013-07-08 10:59:522013-07-08 10:59:52Team Member of the Month: Kurt Wick
We had the pleasure of providing lighting and sound for the June 13, 2013 Driftwood Catering Open House at The Welshfield Inn Banquet Center in Burton, Ohio. This newly remodeled banquet center is easy to access for Main Market Road but is located on 19 acres of rural land. With a restaurant, banquet facility, and room for a tent, this is a really flexible venue for weddings, corporate events, or really any type of party.
We have developed a strong relationship with Driftwood Catering as well as the other restaurants owned by Chef Chris Hodgson. Chris is currently competing on the reality TV Show, The Next Food Network Star and was featured on The Great Food Truck Race for his food truck “Hodgepodge“, which was also at the Driftwood open house Thursday. Chris and partner Scott Kuhn (celebrated local restauranteur) have worked with us on event’s at their downtown Cleveland location Hodge’s as well as corporate events such has Hyland Software’s Holiday Party. We wish them nothing but the best of luck as they expand further in the event industry in Ohio.
https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.png00mhadder4561https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.pngmhadder45612013-06-14 12:53:452013-06-14 13:09:36Driftwood Catering Open House
Brent has a passion for all things A/V but particularly audio. Brent has continued to better himself and to push us as a company to increase the quality of our audio production and equipment. He has really stepped it up by setting aggressive goals and to doing whatever it takes to see them through. His hard work and leadership has allowed production managers Ryan Durfee and Ben Allison a chance to focus on operations as we begin our busiest season. Brent also completed the technical site survey, gear speck, and management of this years Make A Wish Gala, with rave reviews from the client.
Creative and Talet Director, Ryan Konikoff explains just one reason why Brent is one of Rock The House’s best:
“The Cleveland Airport Marriott has requested him personally 3 times in the last few months to come in and mix audio for several of their largest clients. Mary Francis Ody, Director of Catering and Special Events recently told me at a social event that one of her clients wanted him back for an event in two weeks because of the stellar job he did the week before.Being singled out by a partner like this is a big deal to us. Brent is here to work, and he works hard, but he has huge heart and it shows. He fully understands and embraces the idea of The Rock The House Family and works to make sure that all are included and feel the same rewards he does from a job well done.”
Brent has been with Rock The House for over two and a half years and has worked as a technician in many different areas of the company. His passion for audio comes through in his love of music. Music and sound will always be at the core of Rock The House and Brent has brought us to another level. Brent knows that we’re in the business of fun and that means having fun at what you do is just as important.
Production Manager, Ryan Durfee had this to say about Brent:
“Brent has become a lead tech specifically for larger audio events. It is important for the RTH team to see someone who puts effort and can handle new as well as more responsibility while maintaining a high level of professionalism. The surge of responsibility and work load at the start of our busy season brings wears us all. Brent has been able to keep a positive attitude and keep on his responsibilities as they continue to grow.”
In addition, Production Manager Ben Allison says this about Brent as Team Member of the Month:
“Brent was chosen for team member of the month because of his dedication to the company as well as our clients. He is a team member that others can look to for help and encouragement. He is constantly looking for opportunities that he can have full ownership of and thereby spread the responsibilities across the team instead of on the two production managers, which is greatly appreciated.
When we asked Brent what he liked most about being part of the Rock The House team, here’s what he said:
“The happiness it brings. We throw parties, and we’re damn good at it! The smiles, the laughter, and happiness that comes as a result from all your hard work, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Thanks for all your hard work, Brent! You’re one of the reasons why Rock The House is great!
https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.png00mhadder4561https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.pngmhadder45612013-05-02 16:58:022013-05-02 17:00:25Team Member of the Month: Brent Motika
The 2nd annual ISES Ohio WOW Awards took place on April 19, 2013 and it was a big night for Rock The House. Created last year by John Bibbo of Event Source and Rick Jobe of Jobe & Associates, this awards event celebrates the best in the event industry in Ohio. The second year of this traveling event took place in Cleveland at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rock The House Founder/Owner, Matt Radicelli, was the Co-Executive Producer of the event which included Rock The House providing the sound entertainment, and lighting. Producing an awards event of this caliber in front of the best in our industry was both a challenge and a privilege that we were excited to take on.
Rock The House Marketing and Communications Director, Nick Borelli was also the Marketing Chair for this year’s event which brought double the attendance of the first year. The inaugural event set up a foundation for an important annual event with plans to grow each year. The 2013 ISES Ohio WOW Awards not only double the event’s attendance but also more than doubled submissions making winning more challenging then ever. Each nominee submission was graded and judged by event professionals in St. Louis and all company names were removed. Because of this, these are the most unbiased and professional awards in the state for event professional’s achievements. The process for submission is identical to those who submit for the International ISES Awards which means it is not an easy process.
Now that the dust has cleared we have so much to reflect on with this event. Working with our partners to create a beautiful event, growing attendance, and entertaining our friends made for a fun (albeit busy) night. These awards mean a lot to us because they represent both our client’s unique visions achieved as well as the hardwork of our team. We’re already looking towards 2014’s event in Cincinnati!
Rock The House won the following at the 2013 ISES Ohio WOW Awards:
Best Marketing- Design Collateral over $25,000 for Rock Your Prom 2012
Best Technical Production for Automated Packaging Systems 50th Anniversary
Best Corporate Event over $200,000 for Safeguard Properties Holiday Party
Rock The House is really proud to have helped create “A Prom To Remember” on April 5, 2013 at The Ritz Carlton. A Prom to Remember‘s mission is to provide the ultimate prom experience for teens who have been affected by cancer. Their goal is not only to provide them something incredible to look forward to, but also to give them an experience that will give them lasting memories. This event that helps provide hope, strength and inspiration.
We’re very excited that many Cleveland businesses offered their services to help make this event one of the best proms anyone could hope for. Guests arrived via limo to a red carpet walk where they had their photos taken and were interviewed by WJW/Fox 8 reporter Kristi Capel. Attendees ages ranged from 12 to 19 with a number of guests making repeat appearances. Cleveland Browns players Greg Little and Dan Gronkowski were both on hand to hang out and play games with the students as just one of the surprises this event had in store for the guests.
Thanks to Jane Knausz, Prom Chair, for these kind words on our participation:
“Thanks so much for DJing Prom 2014. I got a lot of good comments about the music, etc. You are a welcome addition to our team! As you could see, the kids had a great time. I was very comfortable with your music selection. And I did hear you making announcements about eating and hydrating! That was perfect. The kids have so much fun, they forget about that. And with their health, it is really important they take care of themselves.”
All of us at Rock The House are excited that we had the opportunity to provide the entertainment and lighting for this important event. Being able to do what we excel at for worthy recipients is at the heart of our RTH Gives Back program.
Check out these links that talk further about A Prom To Remember:
Mike has really been on a roll lately! Since joining Rock The House last August, Mike has become the regular DJ for Founder / Owner Matt Radicelli. Being in that position takes a lot of leadership to make sure everything is just as it should be when Matt arrives to perform. Mike has done a great job working with other new staff members to make them feel at home and is always working to take his skills to the next level.
What make him a great example to the rest of the team is that he gives 110% at every show and is always pushing himself to improve as a performer. He is in “GO MODE” from the minute he walks in the door to start his shift straight through when the last piece of gear is scanned in when he returns to the office after a show.
RTH’s Ryan Konikoff has this to say about Mike: ”
“Well anyone that can keep Matt happy is important to the whole RTH Team! We’re looking forward to him working with other MCs in the summer when Matt isn’t in the field as often. He has been working hard to prepare to join the wedding team and also is very excited to ROCK some proms.”
We asked Mychael what being part of the Rock The House team has meant him. Here’s what he said:
“Being part of the Rock The House team has meant a lot to me. I’ve always thought doing something like this would be pretty cool to do since RTH entertained at my High School Homecoming and Prom. Now working for Rock The House has given me so much growth and experience that I never imagined getting this early in my career. Its even helped open other doors for me.”
“One of my favorite Rock The House memories comes from a Bar Mitzvah at Richmond Force Indoor Sports. It was one of the bigger events I had worked on at the time. It was one of the longest days I’ve had. We spent more time preparing and getting the event together then the event actually lasted but it was so much fun. But I had a blast and would definitely do it all over again!”
Great work ethic + love of Music + love of entertainment = A GREAT RTH DJ
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Rock The House’s Marketing and Communications Director, Nick Borelli has already had a big 2013 and it’s only March!
As the Vice President of Communications of the Cleveland Chapter of ISES (International Special Events Society), Nick ensures that event professionals in the North East Ohio area are kept up to date with the monthly events ISES plans. In addition, Nick is the voice of ISES Cleveland on their various social media efforts. In 2013, Nick has taken on the additional responsibility of the position of Marketing Chair for the state wide ISES Ohio WOW Awards. This event takes place on April 19th at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and celebrates the best events in Ohio from 2012.
Starting in January 2013, Nick was elected to the board of directors for The SEARCH Foundation for a two year term. The SEARCH Foundation is a national non-profit that raises money for event professionals in times of need. As someone who has been in the event industry since he was fourteen years old, giving back to this group means a lot to him. As well as being on the board of directors, Nick is the Chairman of the Public Relations Committee for SEARCH and is engaged in a campaign to raise awareness for this charitable organization. Nick assisted in the recent SEARCH Foundation fundraiser in Chicago this January.
Nick spent a week in Chicago this January to attend a ISES leadership summit, a SEARCH Foundation board meeting, and fundraiser, as well as the 2013 TSE conference. TSE (The Special Event) is an annual conference and trade show with thousands of attendees from all areas of the event industry. Nick had been selected in 2012 as one of the ten “Voices of TSE“, a group of event professionals who blogged on trends leading up to the January event. While at TSE, Nick went to a variety of educational sessions, networked with an international network of contacts, and was able to attend some of the best industry events of the year.
The 2013 year began with Rock The House’s big bridal show push. RTH has a large presence at the Cleveland and Akron Today’s Bride Bridal Shows as well as attendance at the Ever After Bridal Show, Cleveland Jewish News JStyle Show at The Ritz, the Quicken Loans Arena Bridal Show, and a number of event venue bridal showcases. These efforts are executed by a large team and is driven by the marketing department.
Nick had the opportunity to travel abroad on a much-needed break in February to Mexico. For his fifth wedding anniversary, he and his wife visited the Riviera Maya region as well as the island of Cozumel. As someone who is very connected to dozens of social media outlets, this trip included his largest stretch of time “unplugged” in a decade. Being able to refresh and unwind is crucial in the deadline driven world of events.
Upon his return Nick was a guest at the sixth annual CBC Magazine Connector’s Choice Awards at the Galleria at Erieview. Rock The House was nominated for three awards and Nick won for Networking Star against a few really great networkers and friends of the company.
The next week, Nick was featured in an interview on 19 Action News Cleveland on the rise of popularity of the social media site, Pinterest. The interview was both about Pinterests popularity and that some men have started to adopt this platform that has been dominated by a female demographic since it’s inception. The article also featured the Rock The House Pinterest Page which has images from some of the best weddings, corporate events, and bar / bat mitzvahs.
After only two months of 2013 in the books, there is still even more time for Nick to make an impact for Rock The House. We’re all looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring!
https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.png00mhadder4561https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.pngmhadder45612013-03-12 16:55:122013-03-12 17:04:00March Team Member of the Month: Nick Borelli
Rock The House Entertainment is grateful for each award we’ve been nominated and won over the years. This year, we’ve been nominated for a very different type of award. Often we find ourselves in the running for regional awards within the event industry for our contributions to event entertainment or production. This time, we have been nominated for a national award that is available to all industries.
Matt Radicelli & Darren Hardy, Publisher of Success Magazine
Created to recognize the “Best of the Best” in the small-and-medium sized business (SMB) sector, the Business Excellence Awards honors the achievements and accomplishments of owners in industries and categories from around the world. The Business Excellence Awards night honors those business owners and their companies who have taken their companies, teams and results to “the next level” of success. Rock The House Entertainment has been nominated as a finalist for the “Most Innovated Company”. We’re honored to be in a list of some of the most creative companies in the United States. Wish us luck!
Matt Radicellu, Wayne Bergman, & Iain Macfarlane in Las Vegas
https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.png00mhadder4561https://www.rthgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/RTH-WEB-LOGO-SIZE-03-400x66.pngmhadder45612013-01-25 16:09:232013-01-31 12:54:132013 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE FORUM IN LAS VEGAS
